Windows 11 24H2 Update: Clipboard Issues and Disk Cleanup Errors

As Windows 11 users dive into the latest 24H2 update released recently, they may find themselves grappling with a peculiar assortment of issues, most notably a blank Clipboard history feature and erratic behavior from the Disk Cleanup utility. If you've found yourself staring at an empty clipboard or confused by misleading storage statistics during cleanup, you're not alone. Let's dissect these issues and explore the potential fixes, along with the broader implications for Windows 11's future.

Clipboard History Goes Blank​

Introduced in Windows 10's 2018 October Update (version 1809), the Clipboard history function has always been a godsend for multitaskers, allowing users to view and reuse copied texts, images, and even GIFs. Windows 11 elegantly enhanced this feature, making it even more user-friendly. However, many users have reported that after installing the 24H2 update, their Clipboard history displays the dreaded "Nothing here — you'll see clipboard history here once you’ve copied something" message. This blank slate is particularly frustrating for those who rely on this functionality.

User Experiences and Reported Problems​

The disturbances in Clipboard functionality led numerous users to voice their concerns on forums, including the Microsoft Feedback Hub. A virtual machine user specifically noted the problem persisted even on a fresh installation of Windows 11 24H2, indicating a systemic flaw rather than an isolated case.
Interestingly, it appears that testers within the Windows Insider Program raised similar red flags months before the official rollout. Yet the issue slipped through unnoticed, resulting in a newly released version riddled with bugs. Could this oversight prompt Microsoft to rethink its deployment and testing methodologies? That remains to be seen.

Potential Workarounds​

If you’re affected, consider these steps to potentially rectify the issue:

1. Open Settings: Navigate to System and select Clipboard.
2. Toggle Actions: Turn off Suggested Actions if enabled, and without changing the Clipboard History setting, press Windows + V to check for copied items.
3. Sync Settings: Toggling the Clipboard History feature off and on may also help refresh the system.

This problem seems to strike a subset of users, and reports suggest that Microsoft is aware and could roll out fixes in upcoming updates.

Disk Cleanup's 8.63 GB Conundrum​

Alongside the clipboard chaos, another noteworthy concern arises from the Disk Cleanup tool erroneously reporting a cache size of 8.63GB in relation to Windows Update files — a peculiar analytic blunder that's left many scratching their heads. Official confirmation from Microsoft stated that while they identified the reporting error, the actual cache usage is significantly less.

What's Really Happening?​

This is not merely a simple miscalculation; it appears that cumulative updates created a confusion regarding checkpoint caches. The report mistakenly inflates storage needs, which could mislead users into thinking they need to clear more space than they actually do — a problematic scenario for those on limited storage devices.
Microsoft has acknowledged this discrepancy and suggests that it will be resolved in future cumulative updates. However, this incident does raise larger questions about reliability in Windows' maintenance tools. If users can’t trust basic utilities like Disk Cleanup, it casts doubt on the overall integrity of system management within Windows 11.

Navigating these Updates and Future Outlook​

As both issues illustrate, the transition to Windows 11 24H2 isn't a smooth ride for everyone. The complexity of features that so many users depend on highlights a crucial need for Microsoft to refine its quality assurance processes. Long-time users of Windows are accustomed to periodic issues during updates, but the sheer volume of complaints surrounding 24H2 seems higher than usual.

What’s Next?​

For now, it’s advisable to stay on top of both Microsoft’s announcements and community forums for fixes and patches that come in response to user feedback. Keeping the system updated is crucial, but awareness and proactive troubleshooting are equally important. If you find your Clipboard history or Disk Cleanup utilities displaying anything unusual, it might just help to know you’re part of a larger community navigating the same treacherous waters.
In conclusion, while Windows 11 offers fresh features and improvements, these latest hiccups underscore the importance of stability and reliability in user experience. Microsoft’s forthcoming responses will certainly play a significant role in how the narrative around Windows 11 evolves — one update at a time.
Source: Windows Latest Windows 11 24H2 has more issues, including blank clipboard history and buggy Disk cleanup